Prime Minister Drew Clarifies Bradshaw Museum Funding.

The debate surrounding the Bradshaw Museum project in St. Kitts and Nevis has intensified, with current Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew publicly refuting allegations made by former Prime Minister Timothy Harris. The core of the disagreement centers on the progress, or lack thereof, made on the project during Harris’s tenure and the current administration’s expenditure on the initiative. Prime Minister Drew has accused Harris of spreading misinformation and misleading the public about the project’s status and funding. He emphasized his government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, urging citizens to rely on factual information rather than political rhetoric.

Central to Prime Minister Drew’s rebuttal is a 2015 news article from Nevis Pages, which documented Harris’s announcement of his administration’s intention to transform the former residence of Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, the Federation’s first National Hero, into a museum and national heritage site. Despite this public declaration, Drew contends that Harris’s administration failed to make substantial progress on the project during their seven years in office. This inaction, Drew argues, underscores a lack of commitment to preserving the legacy of a national icon and developing a valuable cultural resource for the nation.

Prime Minister Drew also directly addressed Harris’s claim that the current administration had spent $14 million on the Bradshaw Museum project, labeling it a “blatant lie.” He clarified that his government’s investment in the project totaled less than $1 million, primarily allocated to stabilizing the historic structure. This stabilization work, Drew explained, was crucial to prevent further deterioration of the building and ensure its preservation while detailed plans for its conversion into a museum are developed. He stressed the importance of responsible and transparent management of public funds in the execution of this project.

The Prime Minister underscored the significance of the Bradshaw Museum project as a means of honoring the legacy of Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw and his contributions to the development of St. Kitts and Nevis. He emphasized the museum’s potential as a cultural and educational resource for future generations, providing insights into the nation’s history and the life of a pivotal figure. Drew positioned the project not only as a tribute to a national hero but also as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to responsible governance and the proper utilization of public resources.

The dispute over the Bradshaw Museum project highlights the ongoing political tensions between the current and former administrations in St. Kitts and Nevis. Prime Minister Drew’s forceful rebuttal of Harris’s claims underscores his determination to counter what he perceives as misinformation and maintain public trust. He has framed the project as a priority for his government, emphasizing its cultural and historical importance while also highlighting the responsible and transparent approach his administration is taking towards its development.

The clashing narratives surrounding the Bradshaw Museum project serve as a reminder of the importance of accurate information and accountability in public discourse. Prime Minister Drew’s call for citizens to focus on the facts and reject political propaganda underscores the need for critical engagement with information and a reliance on verifiable sources. The future of the project and the legacy it aims to preserve remain a subject of public interest and scrutiny.